Burundi: More than 100 men arrested in a central province amid fears of rebel recruitment

BUJUMBURA, Burundi – The governor of a province in central Burundi says more than 100 men have been arrested in two days by security forces trying to prevent men from being recruited to fight the government.

Gitega Gov. Venant Manirambona said Wednesday that the men were arrested Tuesday and Wednesday while trying to relocate to the southern areas of the country.

He said a group of 50 young men was arrested Wednesday morning while trying to leave the province. No rebel group has been identified, but security forces have recently reported rebel attacks on military outposts.

The capital, Bujumbura, remains prone to violence amid a wave of gun, rocket and grenade attacks in which both supporters and rivals of the president have been targeted. President Pierre Nkurunziza was re-elected in July amid controversy.